Category:Aretas IV Philopatris (subject)

From 4 Enoch: : The Online Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, and Christian and Islamic Origins
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Aretas IV Philopatris was a Nabatean King, from c. 9 BCE to 40 CE.

See Nabatean Kings

Overview

While seeking a more autonomous role in the region, Aretas IV recognized the supremacy of the Romans, receiving in exchange recognition of his own power by Augustus and his successors.

In 4 BCE Nabatean forces were sent to join the expedition of Varus against the rebellious Jews.

A daughter of Aretas, Phasaelis married Herod Antipas but was then divorced when Herod took his brother's wife Herodias. In retaliation, in 36 Aretas invaded Herod's holdings and defeated his army. Josephus wrote that many Jews saw in Herod's defeat God's punishment for the execution of John the Baptist.

Aretas was allowed by Caligula to regain control of Damascus, as attested by the events narrated in the Acts of Apostles, related to the adventurous flight of Paul of Tarsus from the city.

Aretas IV Philopatris in ancient sources

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